Julen Lopetegui admits his West Ham United side were taken apart by a Liverpool side he believes are “the best team in the world” at the moment. The Reds moved eight points clear at the Premier League summit with a 5-0 destruction of the Hammers at the London Stadium on Sunday evening.

Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah struck in the first half before Trent Alexander-Arnold and substitute Diogo Jota notched after the break as Liverpool earned their 23rd win in 27 games under Arne Slot.

West Ham had gone into the game on a four-match unbeaten run but, missing a number of key players, were no match for the rampant visitors.

And Lopetegui said: “This has been a very disappointing day for us and our fans. We didn’t show a good face in front of our fans.

“We didn’t deserve any more today. We have to accept it. We have to look forward and to know we have things to improve in these kind of matches.
“Analysing the match, we had one clear situation early on and before then until they scored the first goal it was unlucky for us.
“After that we hit the post with (Mohammed) Kudus, and they scored their second goal (almost straight after). It was a key moment but we had to do more.

“We playing against at the current moment the best team in the world, but we have to do better.”
Lopetegui added: “We have to compete better in these matches and take advantage of the moments you have.
“We have been very far off them today. We were doing well in the last month but today was a tough day for us, we have to be honest. Being 3-0 down to Liverpool at half-time is very difficult.”